THE POLICE box returned to the streets of London yesterday, 27 years after it was phased out because it was obsolete, writes Sean O'Neill.
While the Metropolitan Police found no use for the box after 1969, it became immortalised as the Tardis, Dr Who's time machine, in the BBC science fiction series.
The new police box, unveiled at Earls Court, west London, bristles with the kind of technology that would make a Time Lord feel at home.
Instead of a blue lamp on the roof, there is a closed circuit television camera which scans the surrounding area. There is digital imaging equipment and the public can use its 24-hour direct link to the police switchboard.
On a more homely note, there is a kettle point to allow the weary beat officer to make a cup of tea.
If its operation is successful, other boxes will be installed across the capital.
Caption: A new dimension: an officer examines the updated police box in Earls Court
Caption: Inside: closed-circuit TV
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